For years, Seahawks GM John Schneider has explained that Seattle’s draft board rarely aligned for them to select a quarterback. On Friday night, that finally changed.
With the 92nd pick in the third round of the NFL Draft, the Seahawks selected former Alabama standout Jalen Milroe, adding a highly athletic and versatile player to an already crowded quarterback room. Seattle plans to let Milroe develop behind veteran starter Sam Darnold while taking advantage of his elite mobility.
“He’s a unique, special athlete and an outstanding young man,” Schneider said. “We’re committed to developing him as a quarterback and we’re excited about the dynamic element he brings.”
Milroe brings an impressive résumé from his time at Alabama. As the Crimson Tide’s starting quarterback, he rushed for 1,257 yards and 32 touchdowns over two seasons. Including a school-record 20 rushing touchdowns for a QB last year. As a passer: he completed 65% of his throws for 5,678 yards, 39 touchdowns and 17 interceptions.
The Seahawks signed Darnold to a three-year, $100.5 million deal this offseason after trading Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders. Drew Lock recently rejoined Seattle to serve as the backup. Putting Sam Howell, last year’s backup, on the trade block. Jaren Hall also remains part of the quarterback mix.
Schneider called the abundance of quarterbacks “a really cool problem to have.”
Despite the depth, head coach Mike Macdonald emphasized that Darnold will handle over 90% of the offensive snaps this season. Still, Macdonald left the door open for Milroe to make an impact.
“If Jalen earns the opportunity to get on the field and it helps the team move the ball and create headaches for defenses, we’ll absolutely do it,” Macdonald said. “I’m just glad we’re the ones who have to deal with his athleticism, not someone else.”
New offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, who coached Taysom Hill’s versatile role with the Saints, sees Milroe differently. While Hill often lined up as a tight end or fullback, Milroe will remain focused solely on quarterback duties.
“Jalen is a quarterback through and through,” Macdonald said. “We’ll train him to play quarterback. His athleticism will naturally come alive when he’s out there.”
Milroe, who visited Seahawks headquarters during the pre-draft process, is eager to contribute.
“I’m here to learn, grow and bring positive energy to the offense,” Milroe said. He described himself as a well-rounded quarterback, not limited to just running or throwing.
“There’s nothing I can’t do on the football field,” Milroe said. “Of course, there’s room to improve. But I can make every throw, work through progressions and run when needed. I say it humbly, but confidently.”
Milroe became the fourth quarterback selected in this year’s draft, following Miami’s Cam Ward, Ole Miss’ Jaxson Dart and Louisville’s Tyler Shough. He is only the third quarterback Schneider has drafted in his 16 seasons leading Seattle, joining Russell Wilson and Alex McGough.
